Fellow member
Being of relatively tender years, I simply have one initial aim in my new role as President of our fine Club. To cut the same energetic dash as my predecessor, Martin Baker.

On everyone’s behalf, I would like to thank Martin for his unrelenting efforts over many, many years. He has been instrumental in making the OHRFC a great place to play rugby and to meet and socialize. I can assure you that the viability of the Club and the continuing opportunity for you and each new member to enjoy the OHRFC, is largely due to the unique commitment that Martin has shown to us all.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Martin for two things - his unassuming but infectious approach to ‘getting involved’ in the rather unglamorous running of the Club – and his boundless ‘hospitality’ and friendship, since my formative seasons at Croxdale Road in the mid 80s.

Typically, Martin will remain closely involved, continuing as Hon. Secretary, graciously allowing me to focus on ways of attracting new members and entertaining existing ones and allowing our new Captain, Stuart Smith, to focus on leading a successful and settled team(s). I know Stuart is committed to the team(s) and the Club – but, your own role in our future is critical. I would respectfully remind you to give Stuart your correct contact details and foreseeable availability ASAP. The less onerous this and other tasks are for him, the better.

To support Stuart in this, we are already taking short and longer term recruitment initiatives, circulating an e-mailable ad amongst those who work in big corporates and local companies, as well as advertising on the www.schoolsrugby.co.uk website. The priority of these communications will be to recruit players in key positons, such as props, so that we give other players a fair chance of competing and importantly enjoying their rugby on a Saturday afternoon. These initiatives are in addition to the traditional ‘school route’, that has been carefully rekindled by Mike Yeabsley.

I would like to extend the Club’s thanks to Mike and his core lieutenants, who have made sure that the OHRFC has survived the stormy waters of recent seasons. Mike took on a tough task and basically made light of it. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours on the hallowed turf, apparently in the back row !

Looking forward, I am pleased to announce a number of additional events and developments for the coming season.

Alun Briggs and Martin Hill will combine their not inconsiderable height, as well as their not inconsiderable creative talents, to launch the OHRFC website. As with most things OH, this will be informative and fun – with some interesting and on-going interactive elements. Watch this hyperspace.

Keith Davies is spearheading a vets + others mini-tour to Italy, to coincide with the Italy v. England Six Nations match – (5th – 7th April 2002). This is a must for the discerning fan of rugby, fine food and culture and proof that distance is no hurdle to being involved. If the idea of Roma in Springtime pulls your chain, please contact Keith on Keith.Davies@uk.standardchartered.com

We are aiming to instigate a 3-club Old Boys cup, one Sunday in the early part of next year. The format will be based on short games, with an OBs senior side and we hope a junior side from each school competing. The broad objectives of this competition will be threefold:

1. Establishing an event that will be hosted and will benefit each club in rotation
2. Addressing all 3 clubs’ recruitment of school-leavers
3. Beating our nearest and dearest old rivals


We would like to develop other activities and events through the season – but I really need some of you to help. Several stalwarts of the club have already stepped up to the plate on this one and others continue to expand their commitments.

Please contact me directly if you are able to put a little time into the Club, so we can all get more out of it now and in the future.

Here’s to a buoyant and successful season.


Yours sincerely

Simon Gresswell

H 01296 682949
M 07899 956776
O 0208 250 1263

simon.gresswell@unistudios.com